The young detective's heart lay sprawled across a deck chair on the white boat chartered by the advertising team, drifting between the stunning islands of Krabi's azure waters. The vessel bobbed gently in the crystalline sea, cotton-white clouds floating lazily across the brilliant blue sky. A languid sea breeze beckoned him toward rest.
Nitinai floated in the glass-clear water, schools of tiny, vibrant fish darting around him. Mark treaded water behind him, supporting the young singer who couldn't swim properly.
The famous singer kept glancing back at Mark—the sole handsome man on the crew and the strongest swimmer—his attention captured. This kept the young performer in good spirits, allowing him to float patiently in the water for extended periods without complaint.
"If the detective were here to chaperone, Bank would float in the water all day," Pajanee whispered to Sombat, giggling softly.
"Are you crazy? Nu would jump in and grab Bank's neck, holding him underwater," Sombat joined in before both erupted in laughter, drawing a stern look from the director. They composed themselves, pretending to admire the surrounding nature while continuing their hushed conversation.
"How convenient, having a handsome man along to entice the talent into cooperation. Lucky that Mark's such a strong swimmer," Pajanee wouldn't let up.
"Nu's handsome too, and swims like a fish."
"But Bank likes them built and muscular, ruggedly handsome with that wild edge, you know."
"The major isn't wild. Neither is Mark—just cool."
"But Mark's all man, intensely appealing. That's what Bank likes."
Pajanee mimicked Nitinai's pose, echoing the commercial's catchphrase: "Pepsi... intensely appealing. That's what I like."
Sombat stifled his laughter until tears nearly fell. Time spent with Pajanee never lacked for conversation, but when he glanced at Anupap sitting motionless and distant, he couldn't help but pity the young man and Major Atikom.
Anupap had remained silent since departing Bangkok. Naturally quiet, he'd become even more withdrawn. This morning, Sombat had hoped for some improvement, but instead found him working like a machine—emotionless, efficient. Sombat wanted to secretly call Atikom, urging him to come apologize quickly, but couldn't bring himself to do it.
The major had called since dawn. Sombat had reluctantly refused, saying he was forbidden from sharing any information.
"As a detective, you're clever enough—you'll track down where we are soon enough."
"P'Bud, can't you at least tell me the province?"
"No way. Do you want Nu to tear my chest open?"
"He won't know you're the one who told me."
"Don't be naive. Anupap's terrifyingly good at extracting the truth from people. Besides, I'm the only one whose number you have. I'd be completely exposed."
Atikom had pleaded in that soft, pitiful voice. He claimed he could investigate on his own—easier than tracking down murder suspects—but didn't want to waste days on it. He wanted to catch the next flight and be here within hours.
Sombat felt certain the police officer would locate them sooner or later. His only hope was that when Atikom arrived, he'd successfully make amends with Anupap. The young man's heart was impossibly stubborn, leaving Sombat able only to offer moral support.
"Nu... what are you thinking about?" Sombat settled beside him, voice full of concern.
"About Major Atikom," Anupap replied with unexpected directness.
"Good, Nu... but think only positive thoughts. Try to cut away anything negative. You know the detective loves you."
"But he was with Asanai. They were holding each other so tightly, P'Bud."
"That's true... but it doesn't mean he loves Asanai. Besides, you haven't heard his explanation yet. You don't know anything about the situation."
Anupap sighed. For two nights, he'd been consumed by thoughts of this, of his future with Atikom, of so many things.
"Does this mean I'm not strong enough, P'Bud?" His voice barely rose above a whisper.
"You have every right to feel that way. It's natural to feel hurt or disappointed. Yes, the situation was suspicious, but it happened in a parking lot, not a bedroom. Nu, our emotions are fragile. These things can hurt us, but when something like this happens, we need to face each other and talk, trusting in ourselves and each other, if we truly love each other."
"I know... but I... I can't control myself."
"Nobody can control themselves all the time. But at some point, we should be able to manage our emotions, not let them override our reason. People who love each other should be able to forgive, but first—you need to hear his explanation."
Anupap removed his sunglasses, turning to face Sombat.
"P'Bud, will I have to face this often? The detective's playboy ways with his 'boys'?"
"That's his past, Nu. From what I can see, the detective has stopped his wandering ways. Otherwise, he wouldn't have pursued you for months like this. Playboys move on within a week or two if they don't get what they want, constantly seeking new conquests. But look how long the detective has persevered."
Anupap turned toward the sea, speaking softly. "I'm afraid it's like what I've heard—enduring to get what he wants, then losing interest once he has it, needing to move on to someone new."
"Give him a chance. I don't think I'm wrong about him. If anything, I feel sorry for your handsome face. He has to compete with all your fan club members too. You've had people pursuing you too—Atid, Khun Trin, and still..."
Sombat paused, debating whether to continue.
"And Chavis. Try thinking about the detective's feelings. How terrible must he feel knowing you and Vis were together, having to compete with someone who loved you for over ten years, especially when the current situation remains unclear?"
Anupap was stunned. Sombat was right. If he had to compete with someone Atikom had loved for ten years, he'd feel equally burdened.
In that moment, he felt as if ice-cold water had been splashed across his body, jolting him awake from his brooding thoughts.
"P'Bud, Chavis and I are finished."
Anupap recalled that night when he'd fled to establish independence, only to end up in Chavis's hotel room, filled with heart-stirring memories. Throughout that entire night, he'd battled with his own conscience, finally realizing that the person who held the greatest influence over his heart was Atikom.
"Are you certain Vis no longer occupies your heart, that there's only Detective Atikom?" Sombat reached out, squeezing Anupap's shoulder, offering encouragement.
The younger man didn't answer, sitting in silence as he gazed toward the towering limestone peaks of the island ahead.
Strange-shaped mountains with steep cliff faces. Chavis loved heights. He enjoyed climbing mountains, stopping to rest near the summit, then letting himself dangle and float in the air.
And Atikom? Behind that mischievous face with sparkling eyes, he would lean close and kiss his lips with tender care, strong arms wrapping him in warmth against his chest until he could hear Atikom's breathing synchronize with his own.
When Atikom declared his love, Anupap felt weightless, as if floating, his feet seemingly treading on soft clouds. Everything around him turned brilliant white, free of any sound except peaceful silence.
Now, Chavis's image existed merely as recognition of memory, but Atikom's image remained vivid—so real he could almost reach out and grasp it. The smile in those imagined thoughts made his heart race.
Anupap was now certain he loved Atikom—him alone.
***
When the director called cut, the first shooting session ended. Time to move the crew to Poda Island for the sunset shots.
Nitinai climbed out of the sea with help from two crew members on the boat pulling his arms, while Mark remained floating in the water, hands supporting the singer's rear to provide lift.
Nitinai glanced down with a sly smile—an image that didn't escape Sombat and Pajanee's notice.
"P'Bud, think Mark will survive tonight?"
"Probably... Mark's quite the tiger with women, you know."
"Really? But this male siren is no less dangerous than a female one, P'Bud. Bank might slip him a mickey, put sleeping pills in his drink, then..." Pajanee's imagination ran wild.
"You're crazy, thinking such outrageous things. Don't forget you're a woman. Stop imagining men assaulting men—are you confused about your own gender?" Sombat poked Pojanee's forehead as usual, though he couldn't resist sidling closer to the handsome younger man to tease him.
"How about it, Mark? Getting close to a famous singer—everyone's green with envy, you know?"
"Close enough to practically merge bodies," Pajanee giggled.
Mark wore a sour expression, remaining silent as he removed his fins.
"Be patient, Mark. For work, for the company."
Mark sat sulking at the boat's edge, chest heaving as his broad torso rose and fell.
"Don't let this go on too long, P'Bud. I'm afraid I'll get assaulted sooner or later."
"Come on, I'll ask Khun Trin to give you a raise."
"Even so, just don't let it reach the point where I have to trade my body. I'm afraid of losing my virtue."
Mark shook his head, still feeling uneasy about the underwater encounter. He'd been groped several times, with Nitinai's hands wandering to inappropriate places, nearly causing a rebellious reaction from his anatomy. Worse yet, the singer had whispered invitations for nighttime entertainment, calling it "talent hospitality"—an additional service from the advertising production team.
The young man desperately wished heaven would send someone to divert Nitinai's attention from him—anyone handsome and cool enough to be more attractive, so the young singer would stop pursuing him.
***
Atikom emerged from the airport, breathing in the pure provincial air. Though the late afternoon heat was intense, the cool breeze against his face felt refreshing.
It had taken considerable time to discover where the Echo Advertising team was staying. No one at Anupap's company would breathe a word, and asking Trina might reveal too much.
The skilled detective got lucky remembering that Pongsatat, one of his 'former' conquests, was a Thai Airways pilot. He reluctantly called the young man for help, afraid Pongsatat might rekindle serious feelings like Asanai had.
Pongsatat checked with friends at various airlines, reporting that no passengers named Anupap, Sombat, or Pajanee had traveled. But suddenly he remembered that Nitinai was a famous singer—everyone would know his whereabouts. Pongsatat immediately confirmed that yesterday evening, Nitinai had been aboard his flight to Krabi.
Atikom called Krabi, asking Khun Pongsak, general manager of Pawantra Resort, to help locate Nitinai's accommodation. He was fairly confident Anupap would be staying at the same hotel. The immediate response to his inquiry made the young officer smile broadly.
Unexpectedly, Nitinai and the entire crew were staying at Pawantra Resort... right under his nose—his father's own hotel.
Atikom smiled at the hotel driver sent by the general manager to collect him from the airport. He announced he'd drive himself, knowing the chauffeur would drive slowly, smoothly, and patiently with the big boss's son in the back seat. But his impatience was unbearable.
Throughout the journey from the airport, the hotel driver sat rigid, gripping the door handle tightly, sometimes closing his eyes from terror as the honorary driver pressed the accelerator like a rocket.
Atikom smiled faintly. Nothing could be easier than expected, but a more challenging mission awaited—the mission to conquer the stubborn heart that had stolen his own.
***
Atikom arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon, parking boldly in front. He turned to thank the actual driver, who sat pale as a boiled chicken, then strode up to the reception area. Khun Pongsak waited to greet him, but he requested complete secrecy.
The beautiful receptionist informed him that none of the advertising group were in their rooms. Atikom thanked everyone and hurried through the hotel lobby toward the swimming pool, searching for Anupap or one of the production crew members. The reception staff watched the tall, handsome police officer with admiring smiles, appreciating the hotel owner's son who rarely visited.
Atikom knew which room Anupap occupied. Eventually, the younger man would return to his room that evening. If he knocked and Anupap refused to open the door, he'd get the key from the hotel manager, enter, kidnap the stubborn one, take him by speedboat offshore, then hold him captive on his brother's yacht moored near Krabi Marina.
But he couldn't wait that long. Now, at this moment, he had to find Anupap.
He missed his beloved desperately.
***